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By Sam Wells

The 43-year-old boss was keen to praise his side after a late goal from Christian Benteke ensured that they earned a vital win and moved further away from the bottom three

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert lavished praise upon his side after they came from behind to earn a 3-2 win against fellow relegation battlers QPR.

After Jermaine Jenas opened the scoring for the visitors, goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke secured the points for Villa despite Andros Townsend's second-half strike.

Lambert admitted that the hosts had relied on goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the first half but hailed their rejuvenated display after the break.

"I have to give my team a lot of credit," he told Sky Sports. "I thought 1-0 down was a bit harsh on us at times.

"Brad [Guzan] kept us in it with some terrific saves in the first half and we got the goal right at the death of the first half which was a big goal for us.

"We came back out really strongly in the second half and got a good goal. Andy [Weimann] scored a terrific goal and then we are pegged back again and then Christian [Benteke] scores what proves to be the winner.

"That's the thing, they have great belief they can turn things around and the enthusiasm for the game I think is exceptional. I think Andy showed that with the third goal. He never gave it up and his goal was brilliant, it was an absolutely fantastic finish."

The 43-year-old boss was also generous in his praise of Villa's support, lauding their efforts in spite of the tough season the club have endured.

"The crowd today; the noise was deafening at times," he enthused. "It was rocking and that shows the potential that is here if you get them on your side and that crowd kept going.

"I have got nothing but praise for the crowd since I have been at the football club. They have been right behind us when we have been beaten pretty heavily and still kept coming in their numbers to watch us. It is a big thanks from myself to the crowd, that's for sure."